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United States Patent |
6,227,624
|
Wiacek
,   et al.
|
May 8, 2001
|
Vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system and method for producing
same
Abstract
This invention relates to an improved vehicle wheel hub and bearing
retention system and method for producing the same, the vehicle wheel hub
and bearing retention system including a wheel hub, a bearing unit, and a
bearing retention and preload device. The wheel hub includes an inboard
end, an outboard end, and a main body. The bearing unit is provided onto a
bearing seat of the wheel hub. The material of the inboard end of the
wheel hub is re-shaped against the bearing retention and preload device to
thereby secure the device on the wheel hub and prevent axial and radial
movement of said device relative to the wheel hub. The method for
producing a vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system comprising the
steps of: (a) providing a wheel hub defining a longitudinal axis and
including an inboard end, an outboard end, and a main body, the wheel hub
defining a bearing seat and a wheel hub shoulder; (b) providing a bearing
unit onto the bearing seat of the wheel hub adjacent the wheel hub
shoulder; (c) providing a bearing unit retention and preload device on the
opened inboard end of the wheel hub adjacent the bearing unit; and (d)
re-shaping the material of the inboard end of the wheel hub against the
bearing unit retention and preload device to thereby secure the bearing
unit retention and preload device on the wheel hub and prevent axial
movement of the bearing unit relative to the wheel hub.
Inventors:
|
Wiacek; Michael F. (Dearborn, MI);
Koch; Gary L. (Plymouth, MI)
|
Assignee:
|
Kelsey-Hayes Company (Livonia, MI)
|
Appl. No.:
|
608319 |
Filed:
|
June 30, 2000 |
Current U.S. Class: |
301/105.1; 29/898.09; 384/537 |
Intern'l Class: |
B60B 027/02 |
Field of Search: |
301/105.1,124.1
384/517,537,544
29/898.09
411/271,325
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
114474 | May., 1871 | Randolph | 411/325.
|
1052679 | Feb., 1913 | MacDonald | 411/325.
|
1188611 | Jun., 1916 | Berry | 411/271.
|
5174839 | Dec., 1992 | Schultz et al. | 301/105.
|
5328275 | Jul., 1994 | Winn et al. | 384/472.
|
5353890 | Oct., 1994 | Clohessy | 180/247.
|
5443316 | Aug., 1995 | Deane et al. | 384/537.
|
5490732 | Feb., 1996 | Hofmann et al. | 384/537.
|
5560687 | Oct., 1996 | Hagelthorn | 301/105.
|
5727886 | Mar., 1998 | Hata et al. | 384/544.
|
5782565 | Jul., 1998 | Bertetti et al. | 384/537.
|
Foreign Patent Documents |
736398 | Oct., 1996 | EP.
| |
Primary Examiner: Stormer; Russell D.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: MacMillan, Sobanski & Todd, LLC
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 09 328,094 filing date Jun.
8, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,673.
This application is a continuation of PCT/US97/22590, filed Dec. 10, 1997,
which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
60/033,453, filed Dec. 10, 1996.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for producing a vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system
comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a wheel hub including an inboard end, an outboard end, and a
main body, the wheel hub defining a bearing seat and a wheel hub shoulder,
the inboard end of the wheel hub having a reduced diameter non-threaded
outermost end directly adjacent thereto, the reduced diameter non-threaded
outermost end defining an inboard end outer diameter, the main body of the
wheel hub defining a main body outer diameter which is greater than the
inboard end outer diameter, the bearing seat of the wheel hub defining a
generally constant bearing seat outer diameter which is the generally the
same as the main body outer diameter;
(b) providing a bearing unit onto the bearing seat of the wheel hub
adjacent the wheel hub shoulder;
(c) providing a bearing unit retention and preload device on the inboard
end of the wheel hub adjacent the bearing unit; and
(d) re-shaping the material of reduced diameter non-threaded outermost end
of the inboard end of the wheel hub against the bearing unit retention and
preload device to thereby secure the bearing unit retention and preload
device on the wheel hub and prevent axial movement of the bearing unit
relative to the wheel hub.
2. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the main body of the wheel hub
directly adjacent the reduced diameter non-threaded inboard end thereof is
provided with external threads along a portion thereof, the bearing unit
retention and preload device is a retention nut provided with internal
threads, and prior to step (d) the step of threadably tightening the
retention nut on the wheel hub against the bearing unit so as to exert a
predetermined clamp load on the bearing unit.
3. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the bearing unit retention and
preload device is a retention ring and step (d) further includes reshaping
the material of the reduced diameter non-threaded outermost end of the
inboard end of the wheel hub against the bearing ring so as to exert a
predetermined clamp load on the bearing unit.
4. The method defined in claim 3 wherein the retention ring defines a
retention ring inner diameter which is slightly greater than the outer
diameter of the reduced diameter inboard end so as to provide a slip-fit
thereon during step (c).
5. The method defined in claim 3 wherein the retention ring defines a
retention ring inner diameter which is generally the same as the outer
diameter of the reduced diameter inboard end so as to provide an press-fit
thereon during step (c).
6. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the bearing unit retention and
preload device includes at least one indention formed in an inner end wall
thereof, and step (d) further includes reshaping the material of the
reduced diameter inboard end of the wheel hub so as to be displaced into
and fill the indentation thereby providing a positive mechanical lock of
the bearing unit retention and preload device on the wheel hub.
7. The method defined in claim 1 wherein step (d) includes providing a
metal forming machine having a tool end, the tool end oriented at an angle
relative to a longitudinal axis of the wheel hub, and the tool end having
a predetermined contour which is effective to impart a predetermined
contour to the reduced diameter inboard end of the wheel hub during step
(d).
8. The method defined in claim 1 wherein step (d) includes re-shaping the
material of the reduced diameter inboard end of the wheel hub generally
radially outwardly against the bearing unit retention and preload device.
9. A vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system comprising:
a wheel hub including an inboard end, an outboard end, and a main body,
said wheel hub defining a bearing seat and a wheel hub shoulder, said
inboard end of said wheel hub having a reduced diameter non-threaded
outermost end, said reduced diameter non-threaded outermost end defining
an inboard end outer diameter, said main body of said wheel hub defining a
main body outer diameter which is greater than said inboard end outer
diameter, said bearing seat of said wheel hub defining a generally
constant bearing seat outer diameter which is the generally the same as
said main body outer diameter;
a bearing unit disposed onto said bearing seat of said wheel hub;
a bearing unit retention and preload device installed on said inboard end
of said wheel hub; and
said reduced diameter non-threaded outermost end of said wheel hub
extending against said bearing unit retention and preload device thereby
securing said bearing unit retention and preload device on said wheel hub
and preventing axial and radial movement of said bearing unit retention
and preload device relative to said wheel hub.
10. The vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system defined in claim 9
wherein said wheel hub includes an externally threaded section adjacent
said inboard end, and said bearing unit retention and preload device is a
retention nut installed on said externally threaded section of said wheel
hub.
11. The vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system defined in claim 10
wherein said retention nut includes at least one indentation formed in an
end wall thereof, said indentation being filled by material of said
inboard end of said wheel hub so as to provide a mechanical lock of said
retention nut on said wheel hub.
12. The vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system defined in claim 9
wherein said inboard end of said wheel hub is an opened inboard end.
13. The vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system defined in claim 9
wherein said reduced diameter non-threaded outermost end defines a first
outer diameter, said wheel hub further includes a non-threaded section
adjacent said non-threaded outermost end which defines a second outer
diameter which is greater than said first outer diameter, and said bearing
unit retention and preload device is a retention nut installed on said
first outer diameter.
14. The vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system defined in claim 13
wherein said bearing seat defines a bearing seat outer diameter which is
generally the same the second outer diameter.
15. The vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system defined in claim 13
wherein said retention ring includes at least one indentation formed in an
end wall thereof, said indentation being filled by material of said
inboard end of said wheel hub so as to provide a mechanical lock of said
retention ring on said wheel hub.
16. The vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system defined in claim 13
wherein said retention ring defines a retention ring inner diameter which
is slightly greater than said first outer diameter so as to provide a
slip-fit thereon.
17. The vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system defined in claim 13
wherein said retention ring defines a retention ring inner diameter which
is generally the same as said first outer diameter so as to provide an
press-fit thereon.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates in general to vehicle wheel hub and bearing
retention systems and in particular to an improved structure for such a
vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system and method for producing
the same.
One example of a known vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system,
indicated generally at 10, is illustrated in prior art FIG. 1. As shown
therein, the prior art vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system 10
is associated with a wheel (not shown) of a vehicle and includes a wheel
hub 12 and a bearing unit 14. The wheel hub 12 defines a longitudinal axis
X and includes a generally stepped body having an opened inboard end 16,
an opened outboard end 18, and a generally axially extending main body 20
having a radially outwardly extending flange 22. The wheel hub 12 is
provided with a bearing seat 24 for receiving the bearing unit 14.
The flange 22 of the wheel hub 12 has a plurality of circumferentially
spaced lug bolt receiving holes 22A formed therein (only two of such lug
bolt receiving holes 22A are illustrated in FIG. 1). A lug bolt 26 is
disposed in each of the lug bolt receiving holes 22A to secure a brake
rotor (not shown) and the vehicle wheel to the wheel hub 12 for rotation
therewith. The outboard end 18 of the wheel hub 12 is adapted to receive a
dust cover (not shown) to prevent dirt, mud, water, and other debris from
entering into the interior of the wheel hub 12 through the opened outboard
end 18.
The illustrated bearing unit 14 is a pregreased, sealed-for life, one-piece
cartridge style bearing pack assembly and includes an outwardly extending
flange 28. The flange 28 has a plurality of circumferentially spaced
mounting bolt receiving holes 28A formed therein (only one of such
mounting bolt receiving holes 28A is illustrated in FIG. 1). A mounting
bolt (not shown) is disposed in each of the mounting bolt receiving holes
28A to secure the bearing unit 14 to a non-rotatable component of the
vehicle, such as the steering knuckle (not shown), so as to rotatably
support the wheel hub 12 relative thereto.
A spanner nut 30 is installed on the wheel hub 12 adjacent the opened
inboard end 16 thereof to secure the bearing unit 14 on the wheel hub 12
and to preload the bearing unit 14. As shown in prior art FIG. 3, the
spanner nut 30 is a generally annular shaped nut and includes an inner end
wall 32, an outer end wall 34, an inner cylindrical side wall 36, and an
outer cylindrical side wall 38. The outer end wall 34 of the spanner nut
30 defines an engagement surface which is oriented generally perpendicular
to the longitudinal axis X of wheel hub 12. The engagement surface 34 is
adapted to engage an inboard end surface 14A of the bearing unit 14 when
the spanner nut 30 is installed and tightened on the wheel hub 12, as will
be described below. The spanner nut 30 is preferably formed from stainless
steel or carbon steel, and may be electroplated with zinc for corrosion
protection. However, the spanner nut 30 can be formed from other
materials, such as for example, aluminum.
As best shown in prior art FIG. 2, the spanner nut 30 is further provided a
plurality of slots 40 (four slots 40 being illustrated in prior art FIG.
2) formed in the outer cylindrical side wall 38. The slots 40 extend from
the inner end wall 32 to the outer end wall 34 of the spanner nut 30 and
are adapted to allow a conventional tool (not shown) to be used to tighten
the spanner nut 30 on the wheel hub 12. To accomplish this, the inner
cylindrical side wall 36 of the spanner nut 30 is provided with internal
threads 36A. The internal threads 36A of the spanner nut 30 mate with
external threads 12A provided on the wheel hub 12 adjacent the inboard end
16 thereof As is known, the spanner nut 30 is tightened against the
inboard end surface 14A of the bearing unit 14 to a predetermined torque
in order to exert a predetermined clamp load on the bearing unit 14.
The prior art vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system 10 is
subjected to various loads during vehicle operation. Typically, the loads
which the prior art vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system 10 are
subjected to include radial loads, bending loads, and torsional loads.
Depending on the magnitude of the associated loads and the rotational
motion of the associated wheel hub 12 during vehicle operation, the
spanner nut 30 can rotate and loosen from its installed position resulting
in the loss of the preset bearing preload. Thus, it would be desirable to
provide an improved structure for a vehicle wheel hub and bearing
retention system which improves the retention of the bearing unit on the
wheel hub in order to maintain a preset bearing preload and yet is simple
and inexpensive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an improved vehicle wheel hub and bearing
retention system and method for producing the same, the vehicle wheel hub
and bearing retention system including a wheel hub, a bearing unit, and a
bearing retention and preload device. The wheel hub includes an inboard
end, an outboard end, and a main body. The bearing unit is provided onto a
bearing seat of the wheel hub. The material of the inboard end of the
wheel hub is re-shaped against the bearing retention and preload device to
thereby secure the device on the wheel hub and prevent axial and radial
movement of said device relative to the wheel hub. The method for
producing a vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system comprising the
steps of: (a) providing a wheel hub defining a longitudinal axis and
including an inboard end, an outboard end, and a main body, the wheel hub
defining a bearing seat and a wheel hub shoulder; (b) providing a bearing
unit onto the bearing seat of the wheel hub adjacent the wheel hub
shoulder; (c) providing a bearing unit retention and preload device on the
opened inboard end of the wheel hub adjacent the bearing unit; and (d)
re-shaping the material of the inboard end of the wheel hub against the
bearing unit retention and preload device to thereby secure the bearing
unit retention and preload device on the wheel hub and prevent axial
movement of the bearing unit relative to the wheel hub.
Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to
those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a portion of a prior art vehicle wheel hub
and bearing retention system.
FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a prior art spanner nut used on the prior
art vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the prior art spanner nut taken along line
3--3 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a portion of a first embodiment of an
improved vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system constructed in
accordance with this invention.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a portion of the wheel hub shown in FIG. 4
illustrating the structure of the opened inboard end of the wheel hub
prior to subjecting the opened inboard end to a metal forming process in
accordance with this invention.
FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the bearing unit retention and preload
device shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the bearing unit retention and preload device
taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a sequence of steps for producing the
improved vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a portion of a second embodiment of an
improved vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system constructed in
accordance with this invention.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a portion of the wheel hub shown in FIG. 9
illustrating the structure of the opened inboard end of the wheel hub
prior to subjecting the opened inboard end to a metal forming process in
accordance with this invention.
FIG. 11 is an elevational view of the bearing unit retention and preload
device shown in FIG. 9.
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the bearing unit retention and preload
device taken along line 12--12 of FIG. 11.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a sequence of steps for producing the
improved vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system shown in FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to FIGS. 4 through 7, there is illustrated a first embodiment
of an improved vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system, indicated
generally at 50, in accordance with this invention. The illustrated
vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system 50 is associated with a
wheel (not shown) of a vehicle. The general structure and operation of the
vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system 50 is conventional in the
art. Thus, only those portions of the vehicle wheel hub and bearing
retention system 50 which are necessary for a full understanding of this
invention will be explained and illustrated in detail. Also, although this
invention will be described and illustrated in connection with the
particular vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system 50 disclosed
herein, it will be appreciated that this invention may be used in
connection with other vehicle wheel hubs and/or bearing assemblies.
The illustrated vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system 50 includes
a wheel hub 52 and a bearing unit 54. The wheel hub 52 defines a
longitudinal axis Z and includes a generally stepped body having an opened
inboard end 56, an opened outboard end 58, and a generally axially
extending main body 60.
The main body 60 of the wheel hub 52 is provided with a radially outwardly
extending flange 62 and a bearing seat 64 for receiving the bearing unit
54. The flange 62 of the wheel hub 52 includes a plurality of
circumferentially spaced lug bolt receiving holes 62A formed therein (only
two of such lug bolt receiving holes 62A are illustrated in FIG. 4). A lug
bolt 66 is disposed in each of the lug bolt receiving holes 62A to secure
a brake rotor (not shown) and a vehicle wheel (not shown) to the wheel hub
52 for rotation therewith. The opened outboard end 58 of the wheel hub 52
is adapted to receive a dust cover (not shown) to prevent dirt, mud,
water, and other debris from entering into the interior of the wheel hub
52 through the opened outboard end 58.
As shown in FIG. 5, the wheel hub 52 is initially provided with a reduced
diameter non-threaded section 70 directly adjacent the opened inboard end
56 thereof. The wheel hub section 70 has a generally constant thickness T,
defines a predetermined outer diameter D1, and extends a predetermined
axial distance X1. The wheel hub 52 is further provided with a section 72
directly adjacent the section 70. The section 72 of the wheel hub 52 is
provided with external threads 72A. Also, the structure of the
non-threaded wheel hub section 70 can be other than illustrated if
desired.
The illustrated bearing unit 54 is a pregreased, sealed-for life
non-serviceable cartridge style bearing pack assembly and is pressed onto
the bearing seat 64 of the wheel hub 52. The bearing unit 54 includes an
outer race 54A, a pair of inner races 54B and 54C, and a plurality of
bearings 54D and 54E, shown in this embodiment as tapered roller bearings,
installed between the inner races 54B and 54C and the outer race 54A.
However, the bearing unit 54 can be other than illustrated if desired.
The outer race 54A of the bearing unit 54 includes an radially outwardly
extending flange 68 having a plurality of circumferentially spaced
mounting bolt receiving holes 68A formed therein (only one of such
mounting bolt receiving holes 68A is illustrated in FIG. 4). A mounting
bolt (not shown) is disposed in each of the mounting bolt receiving holes
68A to secure the bearing unit 54 to a non-rotatable component of the
vehicle, such as the steering knuckle (not shown), so as to rotatably
support the wheel hub 52 relative thereto.
A bearing unit retention and preload device, indicated generally at 78, is
installed on the wheel hub 52 adjacent the inboard end 56 thereof to
secure and preload the bearing unit 54 on the wheel hub 52. In the
illustrated embodiment, the bearing unit retention and preload device 78
includes a generally annular retention nut 80. As shown in FIG. 7, the
retention nut 80 includes an inner end wall 82, an outer end wall 84, an
inner cylindrical side wall 86, and an outer cylindrical side wall 88. The
outer end wall 84 of the retention nut 80 defines an engagement surface
which is oriented generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Z of
wheel hub 52. The engagement surface 84 of the retention nut 80 is adapted
to engage an inboard end surface 54F of the bearing unit 54 when the
retention nut 80 is installed and tightened on the wheel hub 52, as will
be described below. The retention nut 80 is preferably formed from
stainless steel or carbon steel, and may be electroplated with zinc for
corrosion protection. However, the retention nut 80 can be formed from
other materials, such as for example, aluminum.
In the illustrated embodiment, the retention nut 80 is provided with a
plurality of slots 90 (four slots 90 being illustrated in FIG. 6) formed
in the outer cylindrical side wall 88. The slots 90 extend from the inner
end wall 82 to the outer end wall 84 of the retention nut 80 and are
adapted to allow a conventional tool to be used to install and tighten the
retention nut 80 on the wheel hub 52. To accomplish this, the inner
cylindrical side wall 86 of the retention nut 80 is provided with internal
threads 86A. The internal threads 86A of the retention nut 80 mate with
the external threads 72A provided on the section 70 of the wheel hub 52.
As is known, the retention nut 80 is tightened against the inboard end
surface 54F of the bearing unit 54 to a predetermined torque in order to
exert a predetermined clamp load on the bearing unit 54.
In the illustrated embodiment, the retention nut 80 preferably further
includes a plurality of indentations or notches 92 (four equidistantly
spaced indentations 92 being illustrated in FIG. 6) provided therein. As
shown in FIG. 7, the indentations 92 extend radially outwardly from the
inner cylindrical side wall 86, and axially inwardly from the inner end
wall 82 toward the outer end wall 84. Alternatively, the number, spacing,
and/or the configuration of the indentations 92 can be other than
illustrated if desired. As will be discussed, the indentations 92 are
adapted to allow the material of the wheel hub 52 to be displaced therein
in order to positively lock the retention nut 80 in place on the wheel hub
52.
Turning now to FIG. 8, the method for producing the vehicle wheel hub and
bearing retention system 50 of this invention will be discussed.
Initially, in step 100, the bearing unit 54 is pressed onto the bearing
surface 64 of the wheel hub 52 and advanced (to the right in FIG. 4) until
the inner race 54C engages a wheel hub shoulder 52A. Next, in step 102,
the retention nut 80 is installed on the non-threaded section 70 of the
opened inboard end of the wheel hub 52 (the shape of the section 70 of the
inboard end of the wheel hub 52 being shown in FIG. 5 when the retention
nut 80 is initially installed during step 102). During step 102, the
retention nut 80 is advanced (to the right in FIG. 4) to the threaded
section 72A and is threadably tightened thereon to exert a predetermined
clamp load on the bearing unit 54 as described above. Following this, in
step 104, the section 70 of the opened inboard end of the wheel hub 52
(shown in phantom in FIG. 4 prior to performing step 104), is subjected to
a metal forming process to secure the retention nut 80 thereon and produce
the vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system 50 of this invention.
To accomplish this, the wheel hub 52 is supported on a suitable fixture not
shown) and a metal forming tool 110 (shown in phantom in FIG. 4) is
provided. The metal forming tool 110 is oriented at an angle A relative to
the axis Z of the wheel hub 52 and is mounted on a support member (not
shown) which allows the metal forming tool 110 to be selectively movable
toward (and away from) the wheel hub 52. As will be discussed, the metal
forming tool 110 is provided with a tool end 110A having a predetermined
contour which is effective to impart a predetermined contour to the
section 70 of the wheel hub 52 during step 104.
During the metal forming process of step 104, an end 70A of section 70 of
the wheel hub 52 is engaged by the tool end 110A of the metal forming tool
110. As the forming tool 110 is orbited or moved (as shown by arrow R),
the material of the section 70 of the wheel hub 52 is engaged and reshaped
generally radially outwardly by the tool end 100A against the adjacent
inner end wall 82 of the retention nut 80 to produce the final shape of
the opened inboard end 56 of the wheel hub 52 shown in FIG. 4. During step
104, the forming tool 110 is operative to increase the radial dimension of
the section 70 of the wheel hub 52 to form a predetermined finished
section 56 of the wheel hub 52 which generally corresponds to the shape of
the tool end 110A. As a result, the metal forming process of step 104
secures the retention nut 80 on the wheel hub 52. Also, during the metal
forming process of step 104, the material of the section 70 of the wheel
hub 52 is displaced into and fills the indentations 90 of the retention
nut 80, thereby providing a positive mechanical lock of the retention nut
80 on the wheel hub 52. Alternatively, other metal forming processes can
be used if desired.
Turning now to FIGS. 9-13 and using like reference numbers to indicate
corresponding parts, a second embodiment of an improved vehicle wheel hub
and bearing retention system, indicated generally at 50', and method for
producing the same in accordance with this invention will be discussed.
The vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system 50' includes a bearing
unit retention and preload device, indicated generally at 78', installed
on the wheel hub 52' to secure and preload the bearing unit 54 thereon. In
the illustrated embodiment, the bearing unit retention and preload device
78' includes a generally annular retention ring 80'.
As shown in FIG. 12, the retention ring 80' includes an inner end wall 82',
an outer end wall 84', an inner cylindrical side wall 86', and an outer
cylindrical side wall 88'. The outer end wall 84' of the retention ring
80' defines an engagement surface which is oriented generally
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Z of wheel hub 52'. The engagement
surface 84' of the retention ring 80' is adapted to engage an inboard end
surface 54F of the bearing unit 54 when the retention ring 80' is
installed and tightened on the wheel hub 52', as will be described below.
The inner cylindrical side wall 86' of the retention ring 80' defines a
retention ring inner diameter D4. The retention ring 80' is preferably
formed from a material which is harder than material of the inner race 54B
of the bearing unit 54. Also, the retention ring 80' is preferably formed
from stainless steel or carbon steel, and may be electroplated with zinc
for corrosion protection. However, the retention ring 80' can be formed
from other materials, such as for example, aluminum.
In the illustrated embodiment, the retention ring 80' can be provided with
a plurality of indentations 92' (four equidistantly spaced indentations
92' being illustrated in FIG. 11 in phantom) provided therein. As shown in
FIG. 12, the indentations 92' extend radially outwardly from the inner
cylindrical side wall 86', and axially inwardly from the inner end wall
82' toward the outer end wall 84'. Alternatively, the retention ring 80'
does not have to include the indentations 92', or the number, spacing,
and/or the configuration of the indentations 92' can be other than
illustrated if desired. As will be discussed, the indentations 92' are
adapted to allow the material of the wheel hub 52' to be displaced therein
in order to positively lock the retention ring 80' in place on the wheel
hub 52'.
Turning now to FIG. 13, the method for producing the vehicle wheel hub and
bearing retention system 50' of this invention will be discussed.
Initially, in step 100', the bearing unit 54 is pressed onto the bearing
surface 64' of the wheel hub 52' and advanced thereon (to the right in
FIG. 9) until the inner race 54C engages a wheel hub shoulder 52A'. Next,
in step 102', the retention ring 80' is installed on the non-threaded
section 70' of the opened inboard end of the wheel hub 52' (the shape of
the section 70' of the inboard end of the wheel hub 52' being shown in
FIG. 10 when retention ring 80' is initially installed during step 102').
Preferably, to accomplish this, the retention ring inner diameter D4 is
slightly greater than the outer diameter D1' of the section 70' of the
wheel hub 52' so as to provide a slip-fit or clearance-fit of the
retention ring 80' thereon. Alternatively, the retention ring inner
diameter D4 can be slightly less than or generally equal to the outer
diameter D1' of the wheel hub 52' so as to provide a press-fit thereon.
Next, in step 104', the section 70' of the opened inboard end of the wheel
hub 52' (shown in phantom in FIG. 9 prior to performing step 104'), is
subjected to a metal forming process to secure the retention ring 80'
thereon and to simultaneously preload the bearing unit 54' and thereby
produce the vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system 50' of this
invention.
To accomplish this, the wheel hub 52' is supported on a suitable fixture
(not shown) and a metal forming tool 110 (shown in phantom in FIG. 9) is
provided. The metal forming tool 110 is oriented at an angle A relative to
the axis Z of the wheel hub 52' and is mounted on a support member (not
shown) which allows the metal forming tool 110 to be selectively movable
toward (and away from) the wheel hub 52'. As will be discussed, the metal
forming tool 110 is provided with a tool end 110A having a predetermined
contour which is effective to impart a predetermined contour to the
section 70' of the wheel hub 52 during step 104'.
During the metal forming process of step 104', an end 70A' of section 70'
of the wheel hub 52' is engaged by the tool end 110A of the metal forming
tool 110. As the forming tool 110 is orbited (as shown by arrow R), the
material of the section 70' of the wheel hub 52' is engaged and reshaped
generally radially outwardly by the tool end 100A against the adjacent
inner end wall 82' of the retention ring 80' to produce the final shape of
the opened inboard end 56' of the wheel hub 52' shown in FIG. 9. During
step 104', the forming tool 110 is operative to increase the radial
dimension of the section 70' of the wheel hub 52' and to form a
predetermined finished section 56' of the wheel hub 52' which generally
corresponds to the shape of the tool end 110A. As a result, the metal
forming process of step 104' secures the retention ring 80' on the wheel
hub 52'. Also, in this embodiment, during step 104', the metal forming
process is selectively controlled so that the retention ring 80' is
operative to exert a predetermined clamp load on the bearing unit 54.
Thus, step 104' is operative to secure the retention ring 80' on the wheel
hub 52' and to simultaneously preload the bearing unit 54. In addition,
during the metal forming process of step 104', the material of the section
70' of the wheel hub 52' is displaced into and fills the indentations 90'
of the retention ring 80' thereby providing a positive mechanical lock of
the retention ring 80' on the wheel hub 52'. Alternatively, other metal
forming processes can be used if desired.
One advantage of this invention is that the metal forming process is
operative to positively secure the bearing unit retention and preload
device 78 and 78' on the respective wheel hub 52 and 52' in a
predetermined installed position and prevent axial and radial movement of
the device relative thereto. As a result, the bearing unit retention and
preload device 78 and 78' of this invention is operative to maintain the
predetermined clamp load against the associated bearing unit 54. Another
advantage of this invention is that since the bearing unit 54 is
preferably a non-serviceable bearing unit, the metal forming process of
the section 70 and 70' of the respective wheel hub 52 and 52' against the
bearing unit retention and bearing preload device 78 and 78' produces a
tamper-proof wheel hub and bearing retention assembly 50 and 50'.
In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the principle and
mode of operation of this invention have been described and illustrated in
its preferred embodiments. However, it must be understood that this
invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and
illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.
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